"Ah! Then you do know something about this man, Collins, eh?"
"Ye—no, I don't know anything about him. I've heard of him, that's all. Now you let me alone, or——"
"Smith, you saved my life. I'm not such a cur as to forget that. I think you have something to say to——"
"I ain't got anything to say to you."
"Oh, yes, you have. Come with me to my cabin, where we can talk without interruption. It may be worth your while."
"I won't go!"
Smith raised a hand as if he would strike the boy whose finger-tips were resting on the stoker's shoulder.
"You come with me!" commanded Steve, placing a firmer grip on the shoulder of the stoker. In that way, and without further resistance, Steve led him to his own stateroom.
"Sit down! Now tell me all about it."
The fireman's face was sullen and rebellious.